I don't want to turn this into a financial debate, but yes 5 to 8 dollars a week add up. Especially when my disability check just barely covers rent. Living out in the middle of nowhere eliminates walking and catching a ride. Driving prudently is something I've definitely learned to develop. So there are times that 5 to 8 dollars a week will determine whether or not I drive somewhere or not.
That being said, I realize that for the most part, you have to pick power or fuel economy, but I also know that's not always the case. I know there are things that can be done that will improve power AND fuel economy, even if they are VERY minimal gains, every little bit adds up. I also know there are things that can be done that improve performance without hurting fuel economy. Again, VERY small gains, but still they add up.
I just don't know what applies to pintos and what doesn't.
I have a car for sale, whatever I get out of that is going into the bobcat. My biggest priority is to make it dependable. My next is to make it clean, ie ANYTHING that doesn't need to be under the hood is GONE. No emissions checks in Ohio, so anything that isn't going to hinder engine efficiency is going. Fuel economy is a real issue and I would like to improve it if possible. At best I want to make sure I don't LOWER it at all.
While I have VERY little experience with fuel injection, I will go that route if that's the best way to go. I have decades of experience with carbs, while I still don't like experimenting with jetting, I am no stranger to to rebuilding and adjusting carbs, from single barrels to 4 barrels, including multi carb set ups. I'm comfortable with all of them.
So, it seems the consensus is that to get 25mpg out of a pinto wagon you need to change the engine? Would the whole engine need to be swapped, or just a newer top end do the trick... ranger for instance?